The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka has successfully increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by US$96 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024.

This was disclosed today (June 20) during a progress review meeting of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, chaired by President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

BOI officials also noted that, relative to the first quarter of 2024, domestic investment rose by US$21 million, while export income increased by US$176 million during the first quarter of 2025. In total, Sri Lanka has attracted US$4,669 million in foreign investment thus far in 2025.

The meeting also focused on the issues and challenges associated with attracting investment to the country and discussed potential strategies to address them.
Addressing the gathering, President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the Board of Investment holds a pivotal role in enhancing the national economy and improving the living standards of the rural population.

 He stressed that opportunities to attract investment in traditional sectors are becoming increasingly limited and therefore the nation must identify new areas for investment, an endeavour that falls under the BOI’s mandate.

The President further noted that Sri Lanka has attracted only around US$22 billion in investment since 1978. In comparison to other countries in the region, he stated, Sri Lanka must advance rapidly, referencing Vietnam’s achievement of securing US$23 billion in investment in 2022 alone.

He went on to state that the BOI should prioritise the expansion of investment in the services sector and proactively seek new investment opportunities, rather than focusing solely on recapturing missed ones.

The event was attended by senior officials of the Board of Investment, including Mr Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs; Mr Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment; and Ms Renuka Weerakone, Acting Director General of the Board of Investment.

(President’s Media Division)

Chamithri Jayanika Rambukwella, daughter of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, was released on bail today (June 20) after fulfilling bail conditions.

Yesterday she was granted bail but was remanded after failing to meet bail conditions.

Several members of the Rambukwella family were arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act this week.

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Ranjith Udaya Kumara, who was named to the Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha from the National People’s Power (NPP), has officially resigned from his position as Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha.

Following his resignation, Gama Ethige Ariyadasa has been officially appointed as the new Chairman.

The appointment was made in accordance with Section 66B(2) of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), as amended by the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act No. 16 of 2017.

The Returning Officer of the Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha, Suranga Ambagahathenne, issued the relevant declaration yesterday (June 19) via an Extraordinary Gazette notification.